The New York Knicks are set to sign guard Joe Crawford of the D-Fenders for the rest of the season, according to an Internet report. Crawford was the Lakers' lone draft pick last June, but he did not make the team coming out of training camp and then signed with the D-Fenders, their developmental league team. -- LA Daily News

Knicks guard Nate Robinson could receive a suspension from the NBA after he shoved referee Ken Mauer out of the way during an altercation with Chris Paul on Friday night.

The incident took place in the fourth quarter, with both Robinson and Paul drawing technicals fouls.

New York hung on for a home win, but coach Mike D'Antoni realized that Robinson went over the line.

"When you're short and you're a normal person, he has to have some thing extra sometimes to be in the NBA," D'Antoni said. "He goes over the line. He knows that. We talk about it. He apologizes. But it's hard to say to tone it down. It's also something he has to learn to be able to control. He's trying."

Renaldo Balkman says he has the "heart of a lion.'' But he usually doesn't roar like one. When talking about how New York gave him away last summer for next to nothing, the mild-mannered, long-haired Nuggets forward mostly has been tight-lipped. But he did offer at least one growl as he prepares Tuesday to go against his old team for the second time. "They already do,'' said Balkman when asked if he believes the Knicks regret trading him last summer.

Knicks forward Al Harrington's got another year on his deal - an expiring contract. I wouldn't be surprised if he was dealt this summer. He's not the ball mover who makes others around him better that D'Antoni loves. Call him the anti-Boris Diaw.

Knicks officials are pleased with the development of David Lee, Nate Robinson and Wilson Chandler and -- though his season was cut short -- by the promise of Danilo Gallinari. And there is that cap space in 2010, and the dream of luring a superstar, to keep them warm at night. "I have no regrets about what we did," Mike D'Antoni said. "I think we're moving in the right direction. The only regret I have, we haven't made the playoffs yet. And that's something that we've got to rectify real quick.

The Knicks will face Renaldo Balkman tonight in Denver, if Mike D'Antoni can remember to put his name on the scouting report. Team president Donnie Walsh discarded their former first-round pick over the summer, giving him away to the Nuggets. Balkman told the Web site InDenverTimes.com this week "They already do [regret trading me]." When told of Balkman's remark, D'Antoni cracked yesterday, "First of all, who's that?" "He had a role here he wasn't going to play a lot," D'Antoni said. "We didn't know Gallo [Danilo Gallinari] was going to be hurt. We thought he'd take all the minutes up. I don't think he would've been a difference-maker. I'm going out on a limb there."

Isiah Thomas' signature trade, acquiring Stephon Marbury from the Phoenix Suns six years ago - continues to be the trade that keeps on giving ... for everyone other than the Knicks. Included in the Marbury deal was a lottery-protected first-round pick that the Suns eventually traded to the Utah Jazz as part of the Tom Gugliotta deal. Next year, however, the pick is unprotected, so if the Knicks fail to reach the playoffs they will be handing over a lottery pick to Utah. "I found out about that as I was going through the process (of being hired last year)," says Knicks president Donnie Walsh. "We don't have a pick. But I'd like to have one."

like i said, think about TANKING next year or face the questions ya c*cksmokers

Al Harrington is signed through next season -- an expiring contract that could be dealt this summer. Though the Knicks want to create cap space for the summer of 2010 to sign two players, Harrington claimed he's been told by Walsh, who drafted him in Indiana, he has a future here. "I know Donnie wants me here long-term," Harrington said. "I've talked to him about that. I know Coach [Mike D'Antoni] likes what I do on the court. Two players can't win by themselves. In order to be a championship team, you need a lot of good players. I feel like I'll be a great complement to whomever they bring in." Unless Harrington signs for the minimum, he will have to show more next season. -- NY Post

Eddy Curry, after playing two straight games, missed last night's loss vs. the Nuggets with left-knee pain and swelling. He will see a doctor today, but claims he'll be ready Saturday vs. Toronto at the Garden, where he has yet to play this season and will likely be booed. "It's discouraging, but it's not too bad," Curry said. "I'm trying to get a handle on it. I don't want anything crazy to happen." -- NY Post

"It's discouraging, but it's not too bad," Curry said. "I'm trying to get a handle on it. I don't want anything crazy to happen."

Mike D'Antoni didn't sound pleased, as Curry pulled himself out minutes before the game.

Before the game, Curry said he will have a different strategy for his offseason training.

"I'll be back in New York a lot earlier," Curry said. "I'll be in Chicago a lot less, completely changing my summer around. I just want to focus, get my legs underneath me and give myself an opportunity to help this team."

Mike D'Antoni's aim is to change the culture of the Knicks and develop players who will be part of their future. He and his coaching staff have made limited progress toward that goal during the 2008-2009 season.

"I don't know what's going to happen in 2010. I can't plan for it," D'Antoni says. "I just know I live with these guys. My focus is on them. I want to wake up in 2010 and have a couple of the players we have now be the guys we want."

Wilson Chandler has emerged as a talented wing player who could grow into a key piece of the team's nucleus. Danilo Gallinari showed promise during an injury-plagued rookie season. Chris Duhon started the season strong, then seemed to hit a wall. David Lee, who had his best season, and Nate Robinson, who had an up-and-down season, will both enter free-agency this summer.

The story details the coach's pre-game ritual, including reviewing scouting reports in his office while snacking on popcorn, Fig Newtons and Diet Coke.

Asked if he would relish proving wrong those who say he is an overrated coach who had a star-studded Suns roster, D'Antoni replies, "You're asking if I'm human?"